Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

Learn from past Buildner architecture competition participants through our extensive project library, curated over more than 15 years!

Passive Cooling with Vertical Shading and Sarmadi Grey Stone Integration in Sustainable Residential Design

Passive Cooling with Vertical Shading and Sarmadi Grey Stone Integration in Sustainable Residential Design
Explore the full project presentation!
Subscribers only
Incorporating Sarmadi grey stone and double-glazed windows for thermal efficiency, this villa leverages vertical shading and natural ventilation to create a sustainable living environment tailored for the harsh climate of the Arabian Gulf.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates locally sourced Sarmadi grey stone for durability and visual appeal.
02
Employs double-glazed windows to enhance thermal insulation and energy efficiency.
03
Features innovative vertical shading elements to reduce solar heat gain.
04
Includes integrated solar panels capable of generating 9900 watts per hour.
05
Allows for future expansion with modular design for additional living units.

### Overview

Located in a region characterized by extreme heat and sunlight near the Arabian Gulf, the Stone Cubes Villa exemplifies modern residential design that addresses environmental challenges. The villa's design prioritizes flexibility in orientation and expansion capabilities, allowing it to adapt to the evolving needs of its inhabitants. The integration of sustainable solutions reduces energy consumption, promoting efficient and responsible living.

### Spatial Organization

The layout of the villa is thoughtfully distributed across multiple levels to enhance usability and comfort. The ground floor encompasses communal areas, including a kitchen, living, and dining spaces, fostering interaction and social gatherings. The first floor is dedicated to private quarters, ensuring seclusion and tranquility. Additionally, the roof level provides space for solar panel installations and future enhancements, reflecting a commitment to sustainability.

### Material Selection

The choice of materials is pivotal to the villa’s performance and aesthetic. Exterior finishes include Jotun white paint for reflective properties, Sarmadi grey stone for durability, double-glazed windows for thermal efficiency, and aluminum strips that provide shading. Structural materials, such as locally-sourced cement-brick, contribute to sustainability while supporting the villa's integrity. Specialized insulation ensures comfort and minimizes energy needs, enhancing the overall living experience.

Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

Vancouver Tall Challenge: Building Higher Downtown

`
Competition organisers

The Vancouver Tall Challenge: Building Higher Downtown is an international architecture competition organized by Buildner in collaboration with the City of Vancouver and the University of British Columbia’s School of Architecture and Landscape Architecture (SALA). The competition invites architects, designers, planners, and creative thinkers to explore innovative approaches to tall buildings in Vancouver’s downtown core, focusing on sustainability, livability, urban density, public space, and the city’s strong connection to nature. As Vancouver continues to grow, participants are challenged to rethink how vertical development can enhance urban life and contribute to a more vibrant, inclusive, and resilient city identity.

The competition offers a total prize fund of $15,000 CAD, with winning proposals selected by an international jury of architects, planners, academics, and city-building professionals. Key dates include the final registration deadline on October 29, 2026, submission deadline on November 30, 2026, and winners announcement on January 26, 2027. Full competition details, requirements, and registration information are available at architecturecompetitions.com/VancouverTallChallenge

Vancouver Tall Challenge

Design the future of Vancouver’s skyline

Building higher downtown ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 29 October 2026

Open architecture competitions

  • Closest deadline first
  • Project competitions first
    Selected winning projects have the potential to be constructed
  • Ideas competitions
    Experimental competitions with the focus on pushing the boundaries of creativity
New York High Falls 
Riverfront Market

Design a New Riverfront Market in Rochester, New York

ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 7 October 2026
Valli Wine 
Tasting Room

Design a wine tasting room in Italy

project COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 8 October 2026
The 
Quiet 
Tower

Design an observation tower in Latvia

project COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 15 October 2026
Vancouver 
Tall Challenge

Design the future of Vancouver’s skyline

Building higher downtown ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 29 October 2026
The Oak 
Moon 
Pavilion

Design a yoga pavilion in Italy

project COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 5 November 2026
Portugal Long Table 
Restaurant

Design a slow-living restaurant in Portugal

project COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 9 December 2026

Recurring architecture competitions

Kinderspace

Design a kindergarten of tomorrow

Architecture for Children’s Development #4 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 28 October 2026
Museum of 
Emotions

Use architecture to create different emotional states

Edition #9 ideas COMPETITION SILENT CONTEST For this competition, NO DESCRIPTION TEXT is allowed. The architecture ideas must be communicated strictly with visuals.
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 12 November 2026
The 
Architect's 
Chair

Take a seat and make a statement!

Stockholm Furniture Fair Edition #6 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award + Exhibition at Stockholm Furniture Fair
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 3 December 2026
new
Buildner's Unbuilt Award

Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a 50,000€ prize

50,000€ Prize / 2027 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 50,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 4 February 2027

Media, partners and clients

To view this project in detail,
please log in with your
Architects’ Network Plus account.
Subscription instantly unlocks all the architecture projects plus other member-only benefits:
  • Access the 17,725 Concept Library
  • Professional tools including file transfer, email, portfolio management, and more
Register now
Already a member? Log in